PACIFIC audiences are looking for news and information that not only informs them but also helps them deal with their everyday lives.
BBC Media Action Pacific program project director Dipak Bhattarai said people wanted more inspiring stories and practical information that could help them address daily challenges.
“This is among the findings from a comparative audience survey conducted across Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Mr Bhattarai said the research examined how audiences obtained information, the sources they trusted, information gaps and how they dealt with misinformation and disinformation.
He said audiences wanted information that could assist them with matters such as managing money and dealing with everyday challenges.
“Security and health were also areas where people wanted more information.”
He said audiences were looking for stories that gave them perspective, inspired them and helped with their daily livelihoods.
The research involved more than 1000 people in each country and used both quantitative and qualitative methods.
“This included focus group discussions, visits to communities and telephone interviews with a wider population.”
He said understanding audience behaviour was important for media organisations as they developed strategies to remain relevant.
The findings are expected to contribute to discussions at the Pacific media summit that begins in Savusavu today.
